Perhaps the most disregarded principle of the early American republic is the prohibition of large, standing armies. The military budget makes up the majority of the bloated federal budget, making up more than half of all government spending. This is your tax dollars at work.

The Founders were not shy about fighting when American interests were in danger. An example of this is the little-known Barbary Wars, two wars at the turn of the 19th Century where the United States fought Barbary Pirates over the enslavement of American sailors. However, it would have been unimaginable to the Founders that wars would be fought over such abstract concepts as “democracy,” where vital American interests were not in play. Peace was seen as part and parcel of a free republic, one which sought friendship and trade with all nations, rather than aggressive wars of choice and empire.

On the Military

“The spirit of this country is totally adverse to a large military force.”

“Men may speculate as they will; they may talk of patriotism; they may draw a few examples from ancient story, of great achievements performed by its influence; but whoever builds upon it as a sufficient Basis for conducting a long and [bloody] War will find themselves deceived in the end...A great and lasting War can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of Interest or some reward. For a time, it may of itself push Men to Action, to bear much, to encounter difficulties; but it will not endure unassisted by Interest.”

“So strong is this propensity of mankind to fall into mutual animosities, that where no substantial occasion presents itself, the most frivolous and fanciful distinctions have been sufficient to kindle their unfriendly passions and excite their most violent conflicts.”

“As for myself, I love peace, and I am anxious that we should give the world still another useful lesson, by showing to them other modes of punishing injuries than by war, which is as much a punishment to the punisher as to the sufferer.”

“I have never known a peace made, even the most advantageous, that was not censured as inadequate, and the makers condemned as injudicious or corrupt. 'Blessed are the peacemakers' is, I suppose, to be understood in the other world; for in this they are frequently cursed.”

“To preserve peace will no doubt be difficult, but by accomplishing it we can show our wisdom and magnanimity, and secure to our people the enjoyment of a dignified repose by indulging which they will be prosperous and happy.”

“As to myself, I love peace, and I am anxious that we should give the world still another useful lesson, by showing to them other modes of punishing injuries than by war, which is as much a punishment to the punisher as to the sufferer.”